"Basically, it seems part of this government's anti-worker, anti-union agenda," he told reporters.

The bill now heads to the Senate, where the numbers are unclear.

The coalition is negotiating with crossbench senators, including Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm, who wants a relaxation of a ban on lever-action Adler shotguns in exchange for his support.

Mr Turnbull has discussed the issue with him personally but told the ABC firearms regulation was a matter for the Council of Australian Governments.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon - who leads a team of three - argued the construction watchdog would not be credible unless it also dealt with the plight of subcontractors when building contractors collapsed.